The Slate

Phuket, Thaïlande

Tin was discovered in central Phuket hundreds of years ago, quickly becoming an integral part of the island's commerce and trade. The value of this "black gold" was so great that tin was considered a form of currency until as late as 1932. Phuket's success as a tin mining centre and the island's subsequent wealth were in part due to the Na-Ranong family: one of the founding fathers of both the Na-Ranong clan and Phuket's flourishing economy, Khaw Sim Bee, played so integral a role in the island's development that King Chulalongkorn awarded him the royal title of 'Phraya Rasada Nupradit'. Today a commanding statue of him sits atop Khao Rang overlooking the town, a testament to his leadership and vision. Intrigued by and in tribute to his ancestry, Wichit Na-Ranong, owner and Managing Director of Indigo Pearl, used tin mining as a unique and personal source of inspiration in the creation of the resort. Today there are only three tin mining sites still active in Phuket. Few of the island's inhabitants know about their rich industrial past. Indigo Pearl is a striking, poetic reminder - of raw beauty, of vision, of a rich, bygone era.

The resort is located on the north western corner of Phuket island approximately 12 kilometres from the airport and 40 kilometres from Phuket town. Patong Beach is 20 kilometres south.

The exterior is Thai sala style built in brick and tile. The property has a welcoming ambience.

The lobby is medium sized with ample seating. Refreshment are available with access to all the resort areas.

Pearl Bed Suite is open spaces, softly lit. Rich wood and cool stone floors. Antique touches of the tin mining era. Modern furnishing. Views of the resorts plantations or pools from private balconies of the living area and the bathroom.